Radioecological studies in western Sweden after the Chernobyl accident

Radioactive products from the Chernobyl accident have been measured in the Goeteborg region in western Sweden since the accident. Dry deposition and rainwater activity were measured initially as well as deposition and distribution in soil of pasture land. The transfer of I-131 in the chain grass-cow-milk was studied during the first months. Cs-134 and Cs-137 were followed for longer periods. The body burdens of I-131, Cs-137 and Cs-134 were followed in groups of people. New techniques for whole body measurements were developed. The depositions of I-131, Cs-134 and Cs-137 were about 7, 1 and 2 kBq m--2, respectively. For Cs-134 and Cs-137 body burdens reached a maximum during 1987 with mean values of about 150 Bq and 400 Bq respectively for adults. Transfer factors for I-131 and Cs-134,137 for transport of activity from grass to milk agreed well with results obtained during the atmospheric bomb test period. (au)